Resilient Type Clasp Patents (Class 24/336)
  • Patent number: 6298525
    Abstract: A flexible double clip for use in creating arrays of generally cylindrical objects is disclosed, the clip consisting of flexible and resilient materials, the clip having sufficient flexibility to allow individual cylindrical objects, by expansion and twisting of the clip, to rotate in relation to each other about the axis of the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Zender Margo
  • Patent number: 6247205
    Abstract: An apparatus for enabling hands-free use of a device for magnifying a long-distance event, such as binoculars, includes a base member, a first attachment member, and a second attachment member. The first attachment member is connected to the base member and is adapted to removably attach the apparatus to an article of headgear, such as a brimmed cap. The second attachment member is connected to the base member and is adapted to removably attach the apparatus to the magnifying device. The apparatus includes adjustable portions such as hinges so that the position of the binoculars may be adjusted by the user when the apparatus is attached to the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventors: Jevan A. Damadian, John A. Linardos
  • Patent number: 6205625
    Abstract: A weld stud comprises a leg portion having a root that is adapted to be welded to a workpiece and a resilient engagement pawl portion integrally formed at least on one side of the leg portion. The resilient engagement pawl portion extends diagonally outwardly from the end of the leg portion toward the root and is capable of bending radially inwardly with respect to the leg portion. On the outside of a lower end portion of the leg portion, an engagement step which is an inward recess formed like a step is provided. Although it is not always necessary to make the weld stud from synthetic resin, it is preferable that the entire weld stud is made of synthetic resin and is molded as a one-piece article since its use is predominantly for synthetic resin members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 6189187
    Abstract: A clip is disclosed herein which is composed of a resilient material and comprises a body having the following elements as in a relaxed state: opposing first and second ends, of which the first end is open to define a first slot, and the second end is closed; a first aperture adjacent to and communicating with the first slot, the first slot having a width less than the diameter of the first aperture; a second aperture adjacent to the second end; and a second slot extending between and communicating with the first and second apertures, the second slot having a width less than the respective diameters of the first and second apertures. The body of the clip is capable of deformation to temporarily increase the widths of the first and second slots for (i) receiving a pair of elongated member portions (i.e. electric cord portions) in respective first and second apertures, and for (ii) removing the clip from such elongated member portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: John J. Williams
  • Patent number: 6079084
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the removal and replacement of a wiper blade assembly in a toner cartridge wherein a first end of the wiper blade includes a projection or "tab" that is captured in a slot formed in the sidewall of the toner cartridge housing. The slot in the sidewall has a forward edge, a rear edge, an upper region, and a lower region. The method includes forming a first cut through the cartridge sidewall from a forward edge of the sidewall to the upper region of the slot. A second cut is made through the sidewall from the forward edge to the lower region of the slot. A waste section of the sidewall defined by the first and second cuts, the sidewall forward edge, and the slot is removed and discarded. The first end of the wiper blade assembly is moved forward, away from slot rear edge, and is pulled upwardly and out of the waste toner hopper region of the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Nu-kote International, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond L. Gwynn
  • Patent number: 6067691
    Abstract: A clip for facilitating attachment of sheet material to structural beams includes a clip body portion and an adjustable spring arm portion allowing the clip to be adjusted to fit on structural beams of different sizes. The clip body portion includes a first mounting surface and a second mounting surface. The adjustable arm portion includes a first arm panel defining an additional sheet-mounting surface and a second arm panel movable with respect to the first arm panel within a range of up to the width of the first arm panel. The additional mounting surface is substantially parallel to the first mounting surface of the clip body and provides greater mounting and support surface for the sheet material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Feltman
  • Patent number: 6061880
    Abstract: A fastener is provided for securing one or more water supply lines to a pipe, such as a drain or vent pipe. The fastener includes a first resilient clamping element for engaging the pipe and a second resilient clamping element for engaging the water line. The second resilient clamping elements may be unitary with the first resilient clamping elements or selectively connected together by means of a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Plastic Productions A LLC
    Inventor: Ralph B. Senninger
  • Patent number: 6044530
    Abstract: A clip and collected assembly thereof are provided and including a method of forming the clip and clip assembly. The clip is formed with at least one slot that has at least one projection for keeping a resilient cord press fit in the slot therein against forces tending to shift it out therefrom. Preferably, two parallel slots are provided for receiving two cords therein with there being two opposing projections extending into the slot opening from either side of the slot. The slot projections provide an attendant manufacturing benefit as the punches of the die press apparatus that punch slugs from the blank fed thereto will not suffer from slug pulling problems because of the presence of corresponding projections extending into the die cavity openings from either side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Stanley Fastening Systems, L.P.
    Inventors: David Room, Matthew Graszer, Paul Lackler
  • Patent number: 5983459
    Abstract: A clip for securing eyeglasses or sunglasses that slides onto an article of clothing. The clip has two parts integrally formed together and kept in a folded position by a spring. The two parts contact each other near the free ends, similar to a conventional money clip. The outer face of one part of the clip has an elastic material stretched across its width to create a channel for receiving an earpiece of a pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. The exterior face of the other part of the clip has a forked protrusion, in which the space between forks is approximately equal to the width of an earpiece of a conventional pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses. In use, a piece of clothing is slid between the two parts of the clip. A pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses is mounted on the clip by first sliding one earpiece through the channel formed by the elastic material, and then snapping the other earpiece between the forks of the protrusion on the other side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Inventor: David Goldenberg
  • Patent number: 5979476
    Abstract: A folding walker includes a pair of side frames each of which includes front and rear legs spaced from each other and held together by upper and lower connecting members. At least one lateral cross bar connects the front legs of the side frames, and the connections between the cross bar and the side frames is pivotable to permit the side frames to be pivoted from open positions in which the side frames are substantially perpendicular to the lateral brace and collapsed positions in which the side frames are substantially parallel to the cross bar. Latches hold the side frames in the open positions or in an intermediate position, between the open and collapsed positions, in which the side frames are at an acute angle to the cross bar so that the side frames and the cross bar form a generally triangular configuration to facilitate use of the walker on stairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Charles J. Cranny
  • Patent number: 5979023
    Abstract: A connecting element (1) is provided for attaching drink crates (10), packing pockets or other containers to each other or to a bicycle luggage carrier (12) or similar mounting rod (11). In order to connect two objects securely and firmly to each other for transport using a connecting element (1) of this type, and yet also when necessary to be able to detach them again easily, the hook-shaped connecting element (1) is constructed to have its essentially S-shaped and opposingly directed hook parts (2, 3) as flat hooks having a flat longitudinal extension transverse to the hook plane, wherein the hook parts (2, 3) grip around the respectively fastened object (10) in a form-fit manner shaped to a securing region on the object, and wherein a securing device is provided which closes the opening of the hook parts to a great extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventor: Uwe Nutto
  • Patent number: 5954385
    Abstract: A holding device adapted to be secured along a side edge of a windshield panel to be releasably secured to a post of a recreational vehicle support frame is provided. The holding device being of a generally U-shaped configuration. This holding device comprises a base wall which defines a lateral direction and a first side wall extending outwardly from the base wall. The first side wall defines an outer end and has a slot formed therein which extends from the outer end inwardly a substantial portion of the distance to the base wall. The slot is sized and configured to receive an edge portion of a windshield panel therein. The holding device further comprises an opposite side wall extending outwardly from the base wall so as to laterally oppose the first side wall and define a post receiving chamber therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: U.S. Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard L. Moore, John R. Holzaepfel
  • Patent number: 5941029
    Abstract: A seismic fixture clamp enables light fixtures and the like to be securely affixed to the T-bars of a suspended ceiling system, thereby ensuring that the fixtures do not separate from the T-bars in the event of an earthquake generating seismic shocks to the suspended ceiling system. The seismic fixture clamp, although easily and quickly installed, adds structural strength to the overall T-bar framework to reduce or prevent twisting and separating of the T-bars, and includes support lips configured to securely affix light fixtures to the T-bars, thereby strengthening the suspended ceiling system against seismic shocks without requiring additional wires or chains to secure the fixtures directly to an overhead structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Frank A. MacLeod
  • Patent number: 5910351
    Abstract: A multi-purpose hook for a message board having an edge along its front surface, the hook including a substantially flat extension member having first and second ends, a retaining grip extending from the first end, and a curved hook extending from the second end. The hook generally curves in a plane oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the extension member, thereby preferably defining a portion of a cylinder, preferably defining a substantially half-cylindrical cross-sectional shape. The retaining grip includes a substantially flat portion extending between front and rear portions of the retaining grip, and preferably extends substantially perpendicularly from the first end of the extension member. The retaining grip is attachable to an edge of a fixed member, such as a frame of a message board, the retaining grip including a tip extension and a lip on the front and rear portions, respectively, for engaging similarly shaped front and rear channels in the edge of the fixed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Boone International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley C. Davis, Michael K. Boone
  • Patent number: 5896720
    Abstract: A clip bar for supporting, fixing or stabilizing air hoses, water hoses, electrical cords, safety ropes, cables, etc. on a shingled or unshingled, pitched roof of a building or house. The clip bar has a substantially flat element with a pair of spaced, U-shaped spring clips attached thereto. One or more of the clip bars can be secured to the roof by a nail or nails and support, fix or stabilize hoses, cords, ropes and/or cables thereto, thus, preventing these elements and any attachments thereto from sliding down and off the roof as well as preventing them from interfering with workers or roofers working on the pitched or inclined roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: William R Bond
  • Patent number: 5878546
    Abstract: A concrete reinforcing bar connector is described in which first and second elongated resilient clip members are formed in a substantially semi-circular "C" shaped cross-sectional configuration. The first and second clip members include opposed open ends spaced apart along their respective center axes. Each of the first and second elongated resilient clip members includes a pair of longitudinal edges that are substantially parallel to their associated center axis and are spaced apart from one another to form a reinforcing bar receiving side opening. The longitudinal edges terminate in substantially radially inward projecting flanges. Inwardly projecting yieldable tabs are formed at each end of the first and second clip members. The tabs are angularly inclined toward the respective center axes of the clip members. The tabs are substantially diametrically opposed to the associated reinforcing bar receiving side openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Albert R. Westover
  • Patent number: 5867874
    Abstract: An implement holder to be attached to a cap or hat is provided. The holder is designed to be affixed to the side portion of the cap proximal the edge. The holder is an integral unit including a first leg, second leg and third leg. The first leg and the second leg are interconnected to form a first jaw or clamp, the first leg to be received between the cap and the head and the second leg to remain outside and flush to the cap. The first leg is resilient and includes means to maintain attachment to the cap. The side of the cap is placed intermediate the first leg and the second leg. The third leg and second leg are interconnected and form a second jaw or clamp which has the general shape of an U-shaped channel. The U-shaped channel is generally parallel to the cap when the holder is affixed thereto. The channel includes a plurality of longitudinal ridges located on the interior channel walls of the third leg and second leg. The second jaw may receive a pencil, pen or other elongated implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: David Simpson
  • Patent number: 5820213
    Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a trim cover having a trim cover edge, and a seat frame component with a frame edge. A single J-strip is adapted for attachment to the trim cover edge. The single J-strip includes a substantially flat portion attachable to the trim cover edge and a first hook portion extending from the flat portion. A double J-strip includes a second hook portion adapted for attachment to the first hook portion, and a third hook portion adapted for attachment to the seat frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventor: Paul Severinski
  • Patent number: 5791720
    Abstract: A holding device adapted to be secured along a side edge of a windshield panel to be releasably secured to a post of a recreational vehicle support frame is provided. The holding device being of a generally U-shaped configuration. This holding device comprises a base wall which defines a lateral direction and a first side wall extending outwardly from the base wall. The first side wall defines an outer end and has a slot formed therein which extends from the outer end inwardly a substantial portion of the distance to the base wall. The slot is sized and configured to receive an edge portion of a windshield panel therein. The holding device further comprises an opposite side wall extending outwardly from the base wall so as to laterally oppose the first side wall and define a post receiving chamber therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Supply Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard L. Moore, John R. Holzaepfel
  • Patent number: 5740591
    Abstract: A quick release locking strap for securing items in place. The strap includes an elongated flexible strap portion having a pair of adjustable quick release clamps at spaced locations on the strap portion. In one embodiment, each clamp is fixedly secured to the strap portion. In another embodiment, one clamp is fixedly secured to the strap portion and the other clamp is adapted to be secured to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Fastening Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: William K. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 5733614
    Abstract: An arrangement for tightly enclosing a substrate with a heat-shrinking plastic sleeve (1), which has thickened sections (2, 3) along its longitudinal edges, has at least two rails (4, 5) pushed on the sleeve (1) after it has been placed around the substrate. The rails hold the longitudinal edges of the sleeve (1) together before, during and after the heat-shrinking. The two rails (4, 5) form a junction area and S-shaped profiles (6, 7) are placed in the junction area on both sides of the thickened edge sections (2, 3) and are enclosed by both of the rails (4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Alcatel Kabel AG & Co.
    Inventor: Werner Stieb
  • Patent number: 5725191
    Abstract: A notebook computer copy clip for being removably secured to either side or the top of the screen of a notebook computer for holding documents for viewing while using the computer. The copy clip of the includes a spring member and a facia member, each being fabricated from a flexible, resilient material such that the copy clip may be bent to engage a side or the top of a notebook computer screen, and such that when removed, it will return to a planar disposition. To this extent, each of the spring member and the facia member defines a substantially planar configuration. An engagement device is provided for securing the facia member to the spring member. The engagement device includes cooperating engagement tabs and tab receptors defined by the spring member and the facia member. In order to lock the engagement of the facia member with the spring member, the spring member defines a locking member below the engagement tab thereof for engaging the lower extent of the facia member tab receptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Assignee: Brauner-Nemeth, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley M. Nemeth
  • Patent number: 5722509
    Abstract: A tube and tube retainer applied to the base of a railroad rail and capable of being simply and quickly adjusted for the application of lubricant to the wheel/rail interface contact patch. The tube accepts a lubricant supply from an external source at one end and directs it to the appropriate area of the wheel/rail contact patch. Implementation may include a plurality of such tubes on one or both rails to improve effectiveness. The present invention reduces overall waste by applying smaller amounts of lubricant with each tube, but increasing the total amount of lubricant applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Consolidated Rail Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel Clifton Clinger
  • Patent number: 5718023
    Abstract: A holder for securely holding pens and pencils, and the like, has a body with an elastic sheath attached so that pens and pencils, and the like, can be inserted easily into the sheath through mouths at either end of the sheath, be secured reliably in the sheath, and be removed easily from the sheath through either mouth. The holder also has a clip attached to the holder body so that the holder can be clasped over the edge of a belt or waist band or similar surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Inventor: Thomas P. Billish
  • Patent number: 5709685
    Abstract: A positionable clip is provided that is engageable on a spinal rod to capture a rod-borne component in a variable position on the rod. In one embodiment, the positionable clip includes a pair of clamping members, each including a pair of opposed arms configured for engaging the rod therebetween. A biasing hinge biases the arms together to grip the rod with sufficient force to maintain the position of the clip on the rod during manipulation of the rod. A bar connects the two clamping members to define a receiving space to receive a component that is disposed on the spinal rod. In one aspect, the bar includes a pressure surface such that a force applied to the pressure surface will cause the arms of the clamping members to displace apart to disengage from the spinal rod. The clip is configured so that this force can be applied by the component captured by the positional clip as the component is itself tightened onto the spinal rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: SDGI Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund T. Dombrowski, Michael C. Sherman, Eddie Ray, III
  • Patent number: 5697131
    Abstract: A money clip having greater resilience without yielding by using a thin, stiff material. The clip may have a base and a lever, the lever being connected to the base by a spring, subject to bending deflection in use. The clip provides a reverse bend, or knee between the principal bend at the back of the clip, and a lip at the front of the clip. A long tongue extends as part of a base, extending out from the front of the clip where the lip contacts the tongue along a contact line. Near the back of the clip, the spring is formed as a loop having a diameter greater than the throat formed by the lever and base at their greatest distance from one another. The throat provides greater leverage on money held in the clip than does the lip, but both provide significant force to secure money without yielding the spring or lever, and without allow the money two turn, twist, or slide. A single bill, or fifty bills may be inserted into the clip with a totally elastic response by the clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Inventors: Gerald S. Hunt, Albert Sanone
  • Patent number: 5687458
    Abstract: A clip for releasably maintaining articles clipped together has a resilient narrow tether headed at opposite ends with a first resilient clip connected at a rearward end on the headed portion at one end of the tether and a second resilient clip connected at a rearward end on the headed portion at the opposite end in axially opposed relation. The first and second clips each have a pair of longitudinal finger gripping portions extending outwardly from their rearward end in a spaced apart relation and a pair of abutting jaw portions at a forward end thereof. The finger gripping portions are sufficiently resilient such that when pressed together by the fingers of the operator, the jaw portions will open and when released will be urged toward the abutted condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Inventor: Jo Ellen Coker
  • Patent number: 5671876
    Abstract: The sock organizer is made from molded polycarbonate plastic from a die. The sock organizer is suitable for use in the water and heat in a washing machine. The sock organizer includes a clamp like device with a plurality of parallel finger elements to grasp socks therebetween. The clamp has two sides that are shut to secure the socks in place. The sock organizer may be placed directly from the washer to the dryer to keep the socks organized during the laundry process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Inventor: Trevis Daniell Gardner
  • Patent number: 5669112
    Abstract: A package film device for closely packaging two objects includes a sheet like film having one edge secured to the middle portion and having the other edge secured to one end portion. The film may thus form two spaces for receiving the objects and is arranged to form a partition between the spaces for closely engaging with the outer peripheral surfaces of the objects. The film may shrink under heat in order to closely engaging with and to hold the objects in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: Fu-Chuan Huang
  • Patent number: 5655270
    Abstract: A double ended clipping device used for attaching assorted types or sizes of identification at one end and for attaching to various clothing types at the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Rene G. Boisvert
  • Patent number: 5653503
    Abstract: A retainer is provided for securing first and second ends of a trim cover of a vehicle seatback to a portion of a frame of the vehicle seatback such that the first and second trim cover ends are in generally adjacent relation when the retainer is fixed to the frame portion. The retainer includes a first elongate body having a base portion and first and second arms extending in spaced relation from the base portion defining a first, open-ended channel therebetween. A second elongate body has a base portion and first and second arms extending in spaced relation from the base portion thereof defining a second, open-ended channel therebetween. The second arm of the second body is coupled to the first body in such a manner that (1) a longitudinal axis of the first body is in parallel relation with a longitudinal axis of the second body and (2) an open end of the first channel is oriented at an angle of at least 180.degree. with respect to an open end of the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Atoma International of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell C. Taggart
  • Patent number: 5619774
    Abstract: A retaining apparatus for eyeglasses and the like having a main body portion with oppositely extending retaining clips integrally attached thereto. One retaining clip allows the retaining apparatus to be secured to a mounting structure, such as a sun visor in an automobile. The second retaining clip is resiliently displaced to allow an item to be held, such as a pair of eyeglasses, to be inserted into the second retaining clip area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Xcell, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald J. Perry
  • Patent number: 5611123
    Abstract: The holder is a plastic tube split lengthwise into substantially mirror image halves forming two opposed clamping members hingedly connected by spring operated handles which activate opening and closing of the clamping members to engage a towel or other items hanging on a support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Darin Prizzi
  • Patent number: 5611175
    Abstract: A gutter screen connecting clip is designed to uniquely engage the upwardly extending side wall of a gutter and to provide a locking tang engagement with connecting flanges of a screen guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald L. Sweers
  • Patent number: 5596792
    Abstract: A hinge clamp for attaching a wire grid to an edge portion of a sheet metal light fixture comprising a base plate, a short leg plate and a long leg plate. The leg plates extend orthogonally from opposite side edges of the base plate and are disposed in parallel spaced relation to each other. Each of the base plates has an aperture therein adapted to receive a screw to secure the edge portion of the light fixture to the hinge clamp. The long leg plate of the hinge clamp has a planar inner portion and a curved outer portion. The planar inner portion comprises a near section and a middle finger extending outwardly from the near section. The outer curved portion comprises two identically configured outer fingers located on opposite sides of the middle finger. Each outer finger has an arcuate detent formed therein which is adapted to receive an edge wire of a wire grid in a snap-fit connection. An edge wire of the wire grid is entrapped on one side by the detent and on the other side by the middle finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: William J. Shelton
  • Patent number: 5586807
    Abstract: A retainer is provided for securing first and second ends of a trim cover of a vehicle seatback to a portion of a frame of the vehicle seatback such that the first and second trim cover ends are in generally adjacent relation when the retainer is fixed to the frame portion. The retainer includes a first elongate body having a base portion and first and second arms extending in spaced relation from the base portion defining a first, open-ended channel therebetween. A second elongate body has a base portion and first and second arms extending in spaced relation from the base portion thereof defining a second, open-ended channel therebetween. The second arm of the second body is coupled to the first body in such a manner that (1) a longitudinal axis of the first body is in parallel relation with a longitudinal axis of the second body and (2) an open end of the first channel is oriented at an angle of at least 180.degree. with respect to an open end of the second channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Assignee: Atoma International Of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell C. Taggart
  • Patent number: 5573167
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for using a holder having first and second clips arranged with their mouths facing substantially the same direction. The first clip is provided with an inner surface which is shaped to hold a cylindrical article and a mouth which is normally open so as to allow the legs of this first clip to be urged apart from each other when such a cylindrical article is pressed against it. The holder is mounted at a designated location on the user's body by attaching the second clip to a piece of material worn by the user, with the mouth of the first clip facing generally downwardly. A substantially cylindrical article is inserted into the first clip by placing the article against the mouth of this clip and lifting the article upwardly into contact with its inner surface, with the axis of the first clip's inner surface in a generally horizontal orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventors: David Bebb, Jack B. Lovley, II
  • Patent number: 5566513
    Abstract: A gutter guard apparatus (10) comprising a one-piece guard member (20) fabricated from sheet metal material (21) and provided with a capture portion (22) which captively secures one end (33) of a sheet (30) of screening material (31), and is further provided with a flange element (23) having a plurality of clip elements (24) which cooperate with one another to releasably engage the outer lip (101) of a gutter trough (100); wherein, the free end (32) of the sheet (30) of screening material (31) is disposed intermediate the first (201) and second (202) rows of shingles on a shingled roof (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: John T. Herren
  • Patent number: 5555607
    Abstract: A retaining device in the form of a clip (11, 13, FIGS. 1 and 2) or a combined clip and plug (12, FIG. 3) is provided for keeping a power cord or appliance cord or similar (16)in a neat and organized manner whether in use or in storage by maintaining the cord in loops. Clip (11, 12, 13) is provided with an opening (26, 126) for receiving the cord (16) defined between a resiliently movable arm (31, 61 ) and another arm (24, 124). The resiliently movable arm (31, 61) is biased towards the other arm (24, 124) to maintain the cord securely. In some embodiments of the clip other openings (43, 143, 45) are provided to store one or more loops of cord. The arms defining the loops are optionally provided with indentations (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38) preferably in corresponding pairs for retaining the cord therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: John I. Parveris
  • Patent number: 5522675
    Abstract: A drainage channel system for forming a trench is disclosed according to the present invention. The drainage channel system includes a number of precast drainage channel sections and one or more alignment keys for aligning and interlocking adjacent drainage channel sections. Each alignment key includes first and second opposed, inwardly facing jaw members shaped for longitudinally bridging across a predetermined exterior portion of adjacent first and second sidewalls, respectively, of adjacent drainage channel sections. Accordingly, each jaw member engages the predetermined exterior portions of the respective sidewalls to longitudinally interlock the drainage channel sections. In particular, each jaw member includes opposed clamping tabs having longitudinally opposed surfaces which apply a longitudinally compressive force to the adjacent drainage channel sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: ABT, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles E. Gunter
  • Patent number: 5509636
    Abstract: A retainer clip for use with concrete form tie for retention of reinforcing rods has a one-piece body which includes a header, and first and second clips extending angularly therefrom, spaced apart in a first direction, and defining therebetween a generally u-shaped opening sized to slidably receive a reinforcing rod of generally circular cross section. Each of the clips include first and second prongs spaced apart in directions lateral to the first direction, and at least two prongs of the clips further define therebetween a narrow generally rectangular passage which intersects at least a portion of the u-shaped opening, and is sized to receive at least a notched form tie of generally narrow rectangular cross section. The retainer clip secures the reinforcing rod in position substantially against the form tie in a notch to inhibit both relative motion in the first direction and substantial separation therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Inventor: Joseph A. Cotugno
  • Patent number: 5509634
    Abstract: An extruded PVC clip-on label holder for use on glass shelves such as merchandise shelves in retail outlets has a label holder panel and a pair of resilient rearwardly extending arms forming a channel between which a shelf is gripped. The holder is suitable for use on both thinner and thicker glass shelves by virtue of a step which extends along the base of the channel in one corner. A thinner shelf is gripped between the arms with its front edge fitting over the step and abutting the rear surface of the label holder panel. A thicker shelf is gripped between the arms with its front edge abutting the step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Femc Ltd.
    Inventors: John Gebka, Michael E. Brinkman
  • Patent number: 5464139
    Abstract: A CADDY CLIP.TM. (10) is described to enable a golfer to carry a club with him when he is chipping and putting around the green. The CADDY CLIP (10) includes a U-shaped portion (12) having a leg (14) which extends inside the golfer's belt. The leg (14) extends a significant distance parallel and in contact with the golfer's belt and includes a bend (16) to facilitate gripping and holding the clip in place on the golfer's belt. An arcuate portion (18) extends over the golfer's belt and a second leg 19 extends downwardly for a distance of about one to two inches. A fastener (20) holds in place a lower depending leg (21), extending downwardly from U-shaped member (12). This is a safety feature for the golfer whereby if the golfer trips either with a club in the device or if the CADDY CLIP is empty, the leg (20) can pivot and avoid harming the golfer in the event of a fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Stanley Schuchmann
  • Patent number: 5463189
    Abstract: An installation clip has a base member that fastens to first electrical cable already secured to a structural member in order to mount one or more second electrical cables indirectly to the structural member. A clip structure is disposed on the base member and has a pair of resilient retaining arms that extend outwardly from the base member in opposed, spaced-apart relation to define a clip channel into which the second electrical cable(s) can be placed. Shoulders may be formed on the distal ends of the retaining arms to define an inlet into the clip channel, and lips may be disposed on the shoulders to form a V-shaped opening into the clip channel. The retaining arms may also have opposed central flanges that project into the clip channel parallel to the base member to form upper and lower regions, and a spacer may also be disposed on the base member to separate the lower region into a pair of subregions. These regions are each sized to receive a second electrical cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventors: Bernard F. Deneke, James W. Rumbold, Clark B. Scott
  • Patent number: 5456034
    Abstract: An extruded plastic label holder is provided to clip onto a metal plate at the forward end of a scanner hook on which products are displayed. The holder has a pocket to receive a non-adhesive label in place of an adhesive label which would otherwise need to be used on the plate. The holder has a body panel and a clip element between which the plate is gripped and the clip element has a layer of flexible plastic to improve its grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1995
    Assignee: Femc Ltd.
    Inventors: Kirk Lewis, John Gebka
  • Patent number: 5414908
    Abstract: An integral, one piece tie clip. The clip includes a body portion and first and second transverse portions; a first spring portion connects the body and the first transverse portion, and a second spring portion connects the first and second transverse portions. Two garment receiving slots are thus formed, the first between the body and the first transverse portion, and the second between the first transverse portion and the second transverse portion. Both slots are urged toward a normally closed position by their respective spring portions. The first garment receiving slot may be positively actuated to an open position to receive a tie label therein by simply providing a slight amount of manual opening pressure to oppose the spring action. The second garment receiving slot may also be manually actuated to an open position to receive a shirt or blouse therein, and allowed to return to a closed position wherein shirt is frictionally secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Patrick R. Haines
  • Patent number: 5408728
    Abstract: An improved holder to be securely and removably attached to a garment, and for holding a pair of eyeglasses, by securely and removably attaching to the temple bars of the eyeglasses. The holder includes a body formed of resilient material that effectively forms a substantially U-shaped center body with two adjoining transverse substantially U-shaped clips, comprising four relatively planar and concentric legs, wherein two of the legs extend in transverse and opposite substantially U-shaped directions from adjacent ends of one of the two legs that form the substantially U-shaped center body to form the two adjoining clips. The substantially U-shaped center body eliminates the need for additional lining material that prior inventions require to accommodate a wide range of temple bars having varying shapes and sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Ronald Wisniewski
  • Patent number: 5409198
    Abstract: A furniture frame is disclosed in which the ends of furniture springs are coupled to two spaced opposing metal frame members by plastic clips which have been secured in a friction-fit-manner to flanges formed in each frame member. The flange of each frame member extending in a direction away from the opposing frame member to an open end. Each clip having a generally S-shaped profile and including a frame engaging hook portion which is separated from a spring engaging hook portion by a central portion of the clip. The frame engaging hook portion and central portion defining a slot opening in a first direction, and which is sized to receive therein in a friction-fit the open end of a flange. The spring retaining hook portion and central portion defining a second slot opening in a direction opposite to the first direction, and which is sized to receive and retain therein one end of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Inventor: Reinhard M. Roick
  • Patent number: 5358423
    Abstract: A clip for forming an electrical and mechanical connection at the junction of two rods to afford cathodic protection for said rods. The clip is electrically conductive and can have a sacrificial metal coating or metal insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Christopher J. Burkhard, Daryl A. Ramm
  • Patent number: 5351098
    Abstract: A pocket retainer clip for eyeglasses is provided. The retainer is designed to be carried in a pocket or the like, whereby it is available conveniently for receiving and retaining a pair of eyeglasses or spectacles in the pocket. The retainer broadly includes a pocket dip, spring operator, and an eyeglasses temple clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1994
    Inventors: Barry P. McDaniels, Deborah A. McDaniels